Saint Barbara's Day 2026

Published October 22, 2026

Good day to all fellow Engineers,

To celebrate Saint Barbara, Engineers and Gunners have jointly planned activities at Bell Sensplex. We invite all serving and retired members, civilian partners, friends and family to join us to celebrate this day and to partake in some fun activities—or simply to cheer on your peers!

A huge thanks to CMEA and to our Artillery colleagues and friends for supporting the event. 

  • WHO? All interested Engineers and Gunners (currently serving or retired, Reservists, DND civilians and our DCC partners)
  • WHAT? Hockey game, indoor sport and social
  • WHEN? Thursday, 3 December 2026 — 1215–1415 (sports) and 1400 to departure (social)
  • WHERE? Bell Sensplex, 1565 Maple Grove Rd, Kanata, ON K2V 1A3 

Activities

Hockey

We will be having a hockey game opposing the Engineers to the Gunners. The intent for this game is to be friendly, yet competitive. Please note the following details:

  1. Game will be played on the Mattamy rink (international-size rink) from 1215 to 1415.
  2. Priority will be given to serving members to play in this game. That being said, feel free to register; the final roster will be confirmed one week prior to the game.
  3. We are looking to build a team of 17 players: 2 goaltenders, 6 defence and 9 forwards.
  4. If interested in playing, please correspond soonest with the Engr Team OPI & Event Coord: Maj Marc R. Parent (Marc.R.Parent@forces.gc.ca) with the following information:
  • Last name, first name, rank
  • Skill level (Base team / IMs A / IMs B / Beginner)
  • Position to play (offence / defence / goalie)
  1. If you are a Gunner receiving this email, you may contact your Gunner Team OPI: Maj Andrew Snow (Andrew.Snow@forces.gc.ca).

Indoor Sports

We will be playing an indoor sport. The most likely options are soccer or Ultimate Frisbee, with the possibility of other options.

  1. The field house (synthetic turf) has been booked from 1230 to 1330.
  2. This activity will only take place if there is enough interest / registration.
  3. Format of the game is TBC (Engineers vs Gunners or all players mixed).
  4. If interested in playing, please contact the Engr Field Sport OPI: Ocdt Thomas Donohue (THOMAS.DONOHUE@forces.gc.ca) with the following information:
  • Last name, first name, rank
  • Desired sport to be played (soccer, Frisbee, other)

Social

All are invited to the Centre Ice Sports Bar (2nd floor of the facility) for food and drinks. The formal part of the social is as follows:

  1. Remarks from the Senior Engineer and Senior Gunner around 1430hrs.
  2. Food will be served buffet-style immediately following the remarks (IVO 1430).

Coordinating Instructions

Dress: Dress of the day OR clean casual OR Engineer/Gunner colours OR festive attire — all are acceptable.

Refreshments: Alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the bar once open. There is also a snack bar on the main floor of the Sensplex that may be open to serve the usual drinks (coffee, tea, etc.) and snacks.

Please direct any questions or queries to the Event OPI, Maj R. Parent (Marc.R.Parent@forces.gc.ca).

MOTIVATION

There is a bit of a friendly rivalry developing around this game. The Gunners won in 2024 and the Engineers answered in kind in 2025. 2026 is the Rubber Match!!! Come cheer for your team!!!

We hope to see you in great numbers.

CHIMO!!!

Also See: https://cmea-agmc.ca/en/saint-barbara